Grade 2

Reading:

This fortnight in Literacy, students have been developing their comprehension skills by focusing on asking questions before, during and after reading. Using the question words who, what, when, where and why, students practised generating thoughtful questions to deepen their understanding of texts. They also reviewed a range of comprehension strategies explored throughout the term, including predicting, connecting, visualising and asking questions. Students applied these strategies while reading an engaging information text about starfish, using evidence from the text to support their thinking and build their understanding of the topic.

In Grammar, students continued their learning about verbs, with a particular focus on saying verbs. They explored how different saying words can change the intention or meaning behind what someone is communicating. For example, students discussed how words such as whispered, exclaimed, muttered and announced provide readers with additional information about how something is said. Students were also introduced to adverbs, identifying adverbs within sentences and investigating how they add detail to verbs. They explored the common suffix -ly and how it is often used to form adverbs.

During Spelling, students investigated a variety of graphemes used to represent different sounds. They focused on the /k/ sound spelt 'ch', the /ow/ sound spelt 'ou' and 'ow', the /oi/ sound spelt 'oi' and 'oy', and the /f/ sound spelt 'ph'. Students participated in word-sorting activities and identified whether the focus sound appeared at the beginning, middle or end of a word. They also practised applying these spelling patterns in their reading and writing. Our tricky word focus included build, house, about, tomorrow, school and cousin. Students especially enjoyed revisiting the helpful reminder for spelling build — "Build Up, don't forget the u!" — which supported them in remembering this challenging word.

Writing:

In the past fortnight in Writing, students have been learning how to use the mentor text ‘The Boy and the Elephant’ by Freya Blackwood to explore persuasive writing. They have focused on organising their ideas into a clear structure, including a topic sentence that uses a rhetorical question with a question mark to engage the reader.

Students have developed their paragraphs by adding reasons to support their opinion, using emotive language and inclusive words such as we, us, and our. They have also practised finishing their writing with a strong concluding sentence that includes a call to action and an exclamation mark to persuade the reader to take action.

Throughout the unit, students have strengthened their ability to organise ideas clearly and use persuasive language to influence an audience.

Maths:

During Mathematics lessons, Grade 2 students explored Measurement concepts by investigating and comparing the mass of various objects. They confidently participated in hands-on learning experiences, demonstrating curiosity and enthusiasm as they applied their understanding of heavier and lighter objects. Students actively engaged in the activities, used appropriate mathematical language, and showed steady progress in developing their measurement skills.

Students have demonstrated growing confidence and a willingness to contribute to class discussions and learning tasks. They have actively participated in measurement activities and are developing a stronger understanding of key concepts. Their ongoing participation and developing understanding of measurement concepts have contributed to the growth of their measurement skills throughout the unit.